Marvel's Ultimate Universe: Finale #1 Introduces All-New X-Men Team Ahead of MCU Return

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Published Jun 25, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT

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The following article contains spoilers for Ultimate Universe: Finale #1.

The X-Men are about to experience a major resurgence on the big screen. Stars of the original franchise that first brought the Marvelous mutants to live-action cinema will be officially introduced to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday.

However, as always, there is more for fans of the X-Men to look forward to beyond the MCU. One of Marvel's most exciting comic book releases has ushered in a new era for the heroes.

Ultimate Universe: Finale #1 Confirms A New Brand Of X-Men

In June 2026, Marvel Comics released Ultimate Universe: Finale #1, which serves as a (temporary?) conclusion to the eponymous alternate reality otherwise known as Earth-6160. The one-shot presents segments providing a send-off for variants of various characters, from Spider-Man to Black Panther.

However, the "Ultimate X-Men" segment appears to offer more of a new beginning for this universe's mutants. Most importantly, it gives them an official name: the Secret Society X-Men.

The moniker is coined by a mutant called Maystorm in conversation with another named Micchan just after she and the team rescue her from civilians authorized to make a citizen's arrest by the Mutant Restraint Force. The Secret Society X-Men's appearance in the one-shot is a brief, but profound moment that implies there is more to be told about these gifted beings, especially considering that the one-shot ends with a promise that "the Ultimate Universe will return."

The "Ultimate X-Men" segment of Ultimate Universe: Finale #1 is written and illustrated by Peach Momoko, who received much acclaim for this interpretation of the popular Marvel title since it was launched in 2024. The Japanese Eisner Award winner is also renowned for her famous cover art designs and work as an author on such comics as Marvel Zombies: Black, White, & Blood and Star Wars: Visions.

X-Men Meet The Avengers In Doomsday

Professor X in the X-Mansion in Avengers Doomsday teaser

For years, fans wondered how the X-Men would be introduced into the MCU and who would fill the shoes of the cast that defined these characters on the big screen for years. Well, as it turns out, Kevin Feige and co. agreed that they were irreplaceable.

As confirmed by the viral Avengers: Doomsday casting announcement from March 2025, the likes of Patrick Stewart as Prof. Charles Xavier, Ian McKellan as Magneto, James Marsden as Cyclops, and more classic X-Men franchise stars are appearing in the highly anticipated movie event. Marvel has since teased the mutants' involvement in the story by dropping a special trailer specifically showing them in action.

The confirmation of X-Men characters joining in on the fun has led many fans to theorize that Avengers: Doomsday is an adaptation of the Marvel Comics' Avengers vs. X-Men event. Directors Anthony and Joe Russo added fuel to the fire with a cryptic social media post of a photo from the set of the 39th feature-length MCU installment that appeared to drop clues regarding the secretive plot.

Established franchise veterans confirmed to appear include the surviving members of the Thunderbolts* cast, the stars of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and even Chris Evans making his first official return as former Captain America Steve Rogers, among many others. The most surprising casting announcement of all, however, was Academy Award winner Robert Downey Jr., but instead of being resurrected as Tony "Iron Man" Stark, he will embody one of the most iconic Marvel Comics villains, Victor Von Doom, also known as Doctor Doom.

Ultimate Universe: Finale #1 is now available where comic books are sold, and Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters on Dec. 18, 2026.